One small installation mistake can turn a perfectly good computer into a source of endless frustration. Learning how to install MSVCP110 correctly without common errors saves hours of troubleshooting and prevents the dreaded “missing DLL” message forever. This single runtime file powers thousands of popular programs, from blockbuster games to professional design software.
Most users face this issue because they install the wrong version, skip steps, or trust shady websites. The truth is that Microsoft made the process extremely simple when done right. Follow this definitive guide and your applications will start instantly, every single time.
Why Proper MSVCP110 Installation Matters More Than Ever
The MSVCP110.dll belongs to the Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable package. Modern Windows 10 and 11 no longer include it by default. Every time you install new software, it silently checks for this exact file.
Installing it incorrectly leaves programs broken even after multiple attempts. Games refuse to launch, Adobe apps crash, and simple tools show error pop-ups. Doing it once the right way eliminates these problems permanently.
Microsoft updates the package regularly for security and compatibility. Using outdated or fake versions creates new errors instead of fixing old ones. Correct installation is the foundation of smooth Windows computing.
“Install MSVCP110 correctly once, and hundreds of programs work perfectly forever.”
Deadly Mistakes That Guarantee Failure
Downloading the single DLL file from random websites is the biggest disaster. These files almost always contain viruses or are incorrectly modified. Your computer becomes infected before the program even opens.
Choosing only x86 or only x64 when your system needs both creates immediate failures. Many 64-bit Windows machines still run dozens of 32-bit applications. Installing just one version leaves half your software broken.
Running the installer without administrator rights blocks proper file registration. Windows silently fails to place files in protected folders. The installation appears successful, but nothing actually works.
Skipping the restart after installation is another silent killer. Windows only registers the new runtime during boot. Without a restart, programs still see the old or missing version.
Preparation Steps That Guarantee Success
Check your system type before downloading anything. Press Windows + Pause/Break and look for “64-bit Operating System” or “32-bit”. This takes ten seconds and prevents 90% of installation errors.
Close all running programs and disable the antivirus temporarily. Some security software blocks runtime registration mistakenly. You can re-enable it immediately after installation finishes.
Create a restore point as a safety net. Search “create a restore point” in Windows search and click Create. This protects you completely if anything unexpected happens.
Step-by-Step Official Installation Process
- Download Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2012 Update 4 from Microsoft.
- Get both vcredist_x86.exe (32-bit) and vcredist_x64.exe (64-bit) files.
- Right-click each file and select Run as administrator.
- Accept the license agreement and click Install.
- Wait for the “Setup Successful” message on both installers.
- Restart your computer completely.
This exact process places files in the correct protected locations. Windows registers them properly during startup. Every program that needs MSVCP110 finds it instantly.
“Right-click → Run as administrator → Restart. Three clicks that fix everything.”
Understanding x86 vs x64 Once and For All
64-bit Windows can run both 32-bit and 64-bit programs perfectly. A 64-bit game needs the x64 package, but most games are still 32-bit. They require the x86 package even on 64-bit Windows.
The System32 folder holds 64-bit files, while SysWOW64 holds 32-bit files. This naming confuses everyone at first. Installing both packages covers every possible program automatically.
Check the installed programs in the Control Panel after finishing. You should see two entries: Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86) and (x64). Their presence confirms perfect installation.
Repair vs Fresh Install: When to Use Which
Open Programs and Features when the package already exists. Right-click Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 entries and select Change → Repair. This fixes corruption without downloading again.
Use a fresh install when entries are missing or heavily damaged. Download and run both installers again. Fresh installation overwrites everything cleanly.
Repair takes thirty seconds and saves bandwidth. Fresh install guarantees perfection when problems persist. Both methods work perfectly when done with administrator rights.
Silent Installation for Power Users and IT Pros
Create a batch file with these exact lines:
vcredist_x86.exe /quiet /norestart
vcredist_x64.exe /quiet /norestart
Save as install_msvcp110.bat and run as administrator. The /quiet switch installs without any prompts. Perfect for deploying across multiple machines.
Add /norestart to prevent automatic reboot during mass deployment. Run shutdown /r /t 0 afterward for final restart. IT departments use this method on hundreds of computers simultaneously.
Verification Methods That Confirm Success
Open Command Prompt and type this exact command:
reg query “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\VisualStudio\11.0\VC\Runtimes\x64.”
You should see the Version value showing 11.0.61135.400 or higher. Repeat for x86 key path. Success means the runtime is perfectly registered.
Try launching previously broken programs immediately. GTA V, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and others should start without error. Real-world testing is the ultimate confirmation.
Common Post-Installation Errors and Instant Fixes
“The program can’t start because MSVCP110.dll is missing” after installation usually means no restart happened. Restart Windows completely, and the error disappears forever.
Error 0x80070666 appears when an older version blocks the new one. Uninstall all previous Visual C++ 2012 entries first, then reinstall. Clean slate installation always works.
Side-by-side configuration errors indicate an architecture mismatch. Install the missing version (x86 or x64). Both packages together resolve this permanently.
Gaming Performance After Perfect Installation
Steam, Epic Games, and Origin titles launch instantly without runtime errors. Frame rates stabilize, and loading screens finish properly. No more crashes during startup sequences.
Verify game files through launchers after installation. This catches any game-side corruption. Combined fixes deliver maximum gaming performance.
Cloud saves remain perfectly safe during the process. Local saves need no special protection. Gaming resumes exactly where you left off.
Professional Software That Depends on MSVCP110
Adobe Creative Cloud 2012-2019 versions require this exact runtime. Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro open perfectly. Project files load without delay.
Autodesk AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and Maya from that era start immediately. Rendering and modeling work resumes at full speed. Professional deadlines become achievable again.
Microsoft Office add-ins and engineering software function smoothly. VBA macros and plugins work perfectly. Productivity returns to maximum levels.
Educational and Legacy Applications
Older classroom software from the 2010-2016 era runs perfectly again. Students access learning materials without technical interruptions. Teachers maintain lesson flow seamlessly.
Compatibility mode is rarely needed after correct installation. Most legacy educational tools start normally. Schools save enormous time on lab maintenance.
Bulk deployment scripts install silently across entire networks. Hundreds of student computers update simultaneously. Learning continues without technology barriers.
Prevention Strategies That Stop Future Problems
Keep all Visual C++ redistributables from 2005 to 2022 installed permanently. New programs almost never include their own copies anymore. Having everything ready prevents 99% of runtime errors.
Never abort Windows updates during the final stages. Let them complete fully before shutting down. Interrupted updates cause most runtime corruption issues.
Use a UPS battery backup for desktop computers. Sudden power loss during updates corrupts runtime files. Stable power protects your entire system investment.
Quick Installation Reference Table
| 32-bit Windows | x86 only | Yes | Yes |
| 64-bit Windows | x86 + x64 (both) | Yes | Yes |
| Fresh Windows install | Both packages | Yes | Yes |
| After corruption fix | Both packages (repair) | Yes | Yes |
This table eliminates all guesswork. Follow your row exactly for guaranteed success.
Corporate Deployment Best Practices
Group Policy can deploy both packages silently across entire networks. Create a GPO with the batch file method. Computers will be installed during the next reboot automatically.
Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) supports runtime deployment natively. Add both EXE files as Win32 apps. Set “Run as administrator” and require a restart.
Document the installation in asset management systems. Future audits confirm compliance easily. Professional environments achieve a 100% success rate.
Long-Term Benefits of Correct Installation
System stability improves dramatically across all applications. Random crashes become extremely rare events. Windows feels faster and more responsive overall.
Software updates install without mysterious failures. New programs work immediately after installation. Your computer handles everything thrown at it gracefully.
Confidence in managing Windows grows significantly. You become the go-to expert among friends and family. Technical fear disappears permanently.
In conclusion, install MSVCP110 correctly without common errors by always using both official x86 and x64 packages, running as administrator, and restarting. Your programs will work perfectly forever.